Here are a few stories that came across my desk that I think are relevant and interesting to the powersports business community.
1 – Segway Powersports and Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft, Inc. Deliver UTVs to Aid Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts – From Motorcycle & Powersports News
In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Segway Powersports, a growing manufacturer in the powersports industry, alongside Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft Inc. in Ft. Myers, Florida, recently teamed up to provide UTVs to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) for use in emergency response efforts.
LCSD was in need of additional relief vehicles to conduct search and rescue operations on the Barrier Islands. After reaching out to Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft Inc., the department was finally able to secure the vehicles it needed on its time-sensitive mission. LCSD has acquired eight UTVs so far and is set to order additional units.
While Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft Inc. also fell victim to the hurricane, with some employees being displaced from flooded homes and others still without electricity, none of the staff suffered injuries. The dealership itself sustained only moderate damage, including sign and gutter loss, facia damage and torn roofing that resulted in leaks.
As a result, the company wanted to utilize its position in the powersports segment to deliver needed units at a time when many vehicles had been flooded and were unsafe to drive. With an accelerated timeframe at hand and very little time to spare, Segway Powersports came through quickly to provide the needed units.
Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft Inc. Vice President and General Manager Ralph Graettinger said, “With many manufacturers having difficulty with supply, we are grateful Segway can keep the supply chain full. When we needed more units immediately, Warren Johnson of Segway had replacement units within days.”
Shane Wilson, vice president of Segway Powersports, added, “In light of Hurricane Ian, whether big or small, there was a need for assistance. An opportunity to support our first responders in their continued efforts to secure the affected communities is a top priority. To have a dealer in Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft Inc. that puts the continued safety of their communities first makes an impactful difference beyond just the powersports industry, and we are honored to work with them as a partner.”
2 – Curtis Dubay joins Accelerate Conference speaker lineup – From Powersports Business
The Powersports Business Accelerate Conference will be joined by Curtis Dubay, chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nov. 14-16 at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando.
Dubay tracks the condition of the economy, analyzes the impact of public policy on economic growth and runs the Chamber’s Chief Economists Committee. He has a great deal of insight and knowledge to share with dealers.
3 – Gold-level sponsor MotoTV Networks added to Accelerate Conference – From Powersports Business
Familiar dealership partner MotoTV Networks has signed on a Gold-level sponsor of the 2022 Powersports Business Accelerate Conference, being held Nov. 14-16 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.
MotoTV, customizable in-store television that is designed to sell, pipes in the freshest content relevant to the brands that you sell in your dealership every day. It’s customizable with your dealership’s own advertisements and announcements for your store only.
MotoTV targets the customers. Research shows that the most influential way to reach a customer is when they are inside your store and a credit card swipe away from a purchase. So why not keep them excited, informed and ready to buy in the coolest and most modern way — The MotoTV way.
MotoTV is constantly updating new content from its partners, keeping the content fresh and the atmosphere exciting inside your dealership. In between the race recaps from Speed Channel and killer content from other content providers, your dealership gets to add promotional messages to educate and inform your customers.
4 – American Made UTV Manufacturer, Landmaster, hires Matt Christopher, 14 year powersports industry-expert as their new North Central territory sales rep. – From American Landmaster
Landmaster, the company known for making American made UTVs in Northeast Indiana, announced that they have hired Matt Christopher as their new North Central territory sales rep. This is the second new sales rep Landmaster has hired in the past 30 days. Matt has been in the powersports industry for 14 years covering various territories across the U.S.
“Most recently I’ve been in a district sales manager role covering the Pacific Northwest. Prior to that I spent 8 years at a Marine/Powersports dealer in the Midwest. Now, I am excited to be moving back to my home state of Minnesota to take on my new role as RSM with Landmaster,” says Matt Christopher.
Matt officially started with Landmaster on October 3rd, 2022. Prior to starting in the North Central territory, Matt will go through several weeks of extensive sales training and hands-on product training up at the Landmaster production factory.
“I could not be more excited about joining the Landmaster team and the great products and people that make up this brand. I look forward to growing Landmaster’s presence in the North Central region!” says Matt.
Outside of sales Matt enjoys spending time on the water, trail-riding, or on the golf course. In the winter he enjoys snowmobiling and skiing.
For more information about Landmaster download the full brochure or visit Landmaster.com
View Brochure
5 – HISUN optimizes assembly line process with new plant supervisor – From Powersports Business
HISUN USA has welcomed Michael Jernigan to its management team as plant supervisor, furthering its expanding footprint in the North American side-by-side market. In his new role, Jernigan has been tasked with optimizing and enhancing the company’s assembly line processes and managing and leading assembly staff at its North American facility in McKinney, Texas.
Before joining HISUN, Michael Jernigan served as an engineer for Douglas Lockheed Martin and Boeing and was part of the ISO certification process at Boeing. He understands the sales mindset because of his background in car dealership financing and general management. He began his tenure at HISUN as a Line Supervisor before being promoted to the new role of Plant Supervisor.
Jernigan loves managing and motivating teams. With a well-rounded skillset, he will be a valuable asset in his new role as he looks to maximize HISUN’s assembly line processes. He will streamline quality control (QC) processes and procedures while improving overall operating efficiency by working with team members toward increased productivity. Jernigan will also assist with day-to-day employee administrative needs, ensuring each team member has the tools, training and support they need to do their job as efficiently as possible.
“My number one goal is to make sure new units hit the truck while I also try to make sure my crew is happy,” Jernigan said. “Because if they’re not happy, they’re not producing. It’s a family mentality here, we spend every day together, so it’s a matter of ensuring we’re here for each other.”
“Michael’s engineering background, mechanical aptitude, and willingness to roll up his sleeves to get the job done and resolve any issues that may arise make him a vital addition to the HISUN team,” said Jamie Cheek, vice president of Operations. “We’re thrilled to add Michael as our new Plant Supervisor, as he’s tasked with further improving our quality control and assembly line efficiencies.”
With an easygoing management style and a hands-on approach to problem-solving, Jernigan will undoubtedly be an asset to the HISUN USA management team while further streamlining its North American operations.
6 – Fox Factory partners with Society of Women Engineers – From Fox Factory Holding Corp.
Fox Factory is proud to announce our partnership with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). In addition to the annual partnership, the company will make its appearance at the SWE National Conference held in Houston, Texas, Oct. 20-22nd.
This is a fantastic opportunity to recruit talented professionals for Fox’s summer internship program, interview and hire experienced engineers to help us develop next level performance products, and provide stellar professional development for current employees.
“I am thrilled that our company has started this official partnership,” said Jackie Martin, Fox Factory’s Chief Purpose and Inclusion Officer. “Originally, I started my career as an engineer, a field that remains heavily male-dominated. So, I know the importance of having role models, a good support system, and a diverse network to help women professionals develop and thrive in the STEM workforce.”
As part of our partnership, Fox is investing in our women in engineering and other technical roles by offering SWE annual memberships to enhance their individual development as well as their professional network. The goal is to provide more opportunities for mentoring, training, and professional growth, which will support their career trajectories and augment their contributions here at Fox.
“Growing up, I was around women who worked in male-dominated environments, such as the automotive and IT [information technology] industries,” said Kayleigh Hreha, Fox Factory’s Design Engineer. “I’m so proud of all the women in my life who worked hard so I can have this opportunity to be Fox’s first female Design Engineer and even more proud to work for a company that is investing in change.”
As a company that engineers premium products which redefine performance on any terrain, it was a natural partnership with SWE to help discover driven engineers who will help us continue to lead in the market. It’s our people who have an undying passion for progress which drives us to go further and farther for our customers.
“Innovation and ingenuity start with a spark that can be kindled by all walks of life,” said Cat Vachon, Fox Factory’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Engagement Manager. “Our ability to outthink, outpace, and out-innovate the competition is ever-growing due to the fresh perspectives we bring to the table.”
For more than seven decades, the Society of Women Engineers has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. SWE’s mission is to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders; expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life; and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion.
Fox Factory Holding Corp. designs, engineers, manufactures and markets performance-defining products and systems for customers worldwide. Fox Factory Holding Corp. is the holding company of FOX Factory, Inc. Our premium brand, performance-defining products and systems are used primarily on bicycles, side-by-side vehicles, on-road vehicles with and without off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, motorcycles, and commercial trucks.
Go to ridefox.com to learn more.
Learn about SWE here: https://swe.org/
7 – KIRT DENMAN JOINS NGK SPARK PLUGS AS DIRECTOR OF AFTERMARKET – From Motorcycle & Powersports News
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. announced that Kirt Denman has joined the company as director of aftermarket.
“I am pleased to announce that Kirt Denman has accepted the position of director of aftermarket,” said NGK Senior Vice President of Commercial Business Operations Brian Norko. “Kirt joins us with extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket in North America. We are excited to welcome him to the NGK team.”
As director of aftermarket, Denman will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for developing a strategy to drive the aftermarket forward and achieve the established goals. In addition, he will be responsible for the oversight and shared strategy of all sales and marketing programs, product launches, and excess and obsolete inventory that provide growth and profitability.
Denman has specialized in the automotive aftermarket and retail for over 35 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility.
“I am excited to join the NGK Team,” said Denman. “NGK’s outstanding reputation for quality, value, service and performance are ones to which I know my background will further contribute. I look forward to sharing my expertise and insight in the aftermarket industry to drive the organization to future success.”
8 – Harley-Davidson Headquarters Will Be Repurposed as Company Embraces Work From Home – From Jalopnik
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE https://jalopnik.com/harley-davidson-headquarters-will-be-repurposed-as-comp-1849677453
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